Description:
Spend two nights in the canyon and a few nights above. The highlight of this trip is the Tonto trail, which you'll be walking on day two of your backpack. This trail follows the contour of the Colorado River and yet stays at a steady elevation above the water. Remarkable archaeological features, mescal pits, mark this trail. The pits were made by Native people slow slow cooking their food, mostly consisting of the hearts of agave. In all, you'll be traveling from Hermit Trailhead to Bright Angel Trailhead, and Several reliable water sources are along the route, but some of them are not safe to drink. Salt Creek is very high in minerals (hence the name) and Horn Creek water is radioactive as a result of a Uranium site that drains into the ground water that fuels this creek. Cedar Springs, Monument Creek, and Indian Garden all have water safe to filter or treat with iodine. Recommended camping sites (based on water access and mileage) are Monument Creek and Indian Garden. Make camping reservations ahead of time at the Grand Canyon Back Country office. You may get a permit by visiting or by faxing permit requests. Plan early if you need to fax--they accept requests four months in advance of trip. Once you arrive back on the rim, you'll be heading to Williams for some forest time. You'll start with a relaxing stay at a bed and breakfast and after resting your legs for a day, get back on the trails.
View Iternary mapDay Note:
Collect your stuff and yourself and get ready for tomorrow!
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Canyon Village Marketplace & Deli
Contact:
- +1 928 638 2262
Location:
- Market Plaza Road & Village Loop Road
- Grand Canyon Village
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
-
Map
Description:
When you are planning to spend the day hiking or sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, stop here first for refreshments and other outdoor supplies to take with you. The general store is a full-service supermarket, delicatessen and souvenir stand. It also sells and rents camping and backpacking equipment and supplies. Simple deli meat sandwiches and salads are great for taking along on the hiking trails or for spur-of-the-moment picnics in the Park. Not coincidentally, you may also know the owner's name from national politics: former President Clinton's Interior Secretary, Bruce Babbitt, is a descendent of this venerable Grand Canyon State family.
Day Note:
Today you go down, down, down. Camp out by water and enjoy the view from below.read more
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Hermit Trail
Contact:
- 520-638-7888
- visit website
Location:
- P.O. Box 170
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
-
Map
- user rating
Our Local Expert Says:
Experienced hikers should break out a good pair of boots for this trail. Water is available, but must be treated.
Description:
Give uphill hikers the right-of-way as you descend this steep, rocky trail. On the way back up, you'll appreciate it. The Hermit trail, which is not maintained, but does retain integrity, offers hikes to Santa Maria Spring, a quick 5-mile round trip and Dripping Springs, a 7-mile round trip. The Hermit Trail begins 500 feet west of Hermits Rest. Water from both of these springs is cool and tasty, but must be treated before drinking. If you don't have a water filter, which can be pricey, use iodine tablets. They can be purchased at any outdoors store for only a few dollars.
Day Note:
You're walking the Tonto trail today, perhaps the most unlikely and therefore sublime trail in the Grand Canyon. It pretty closely stays along on the same elevation line while weaving in all directions to follow the contour of the river. You'll take this trail to Indian Gardens Campground and stay the night. Get some good rest because you're ascending tomorrow.read more
Day Note:
Today, you'll get up early to start the climb at day-break. This climb generally takes 6-8 hours, and its best to start while you still have cool hours of weather ahead of you. Pace yourself well, drink water, eat salt, and all will be good:)read more
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Bright Angel Trail
Contact:
- 928 638 7888
- visit website
Location:
- Between Bright Angel Lodge and Hermit Rd
- From W Rim Drive to Plateau Point
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
One of the most popular things to do at Grand Canyon National Park is to hike this popular, highly-trafficked South Rim trail that starts just steps away from the Grand Canyon Lodges, and ends at the bottom of the canyon. Day hikers, guests staying at Phantom Ranch, and mule riders all share this busy, scenic route, making for some interesting people- and animal-watching. Bright Angel Trail offers great views from the inner canyon--so great, in fact, that hikers can easily lose track of how far they've traveled. Although well-traveled and maintained, Bright Angel Trail is quite steep at some points, and hikers should expect to take twice as long to come back up. The 12-mile trail is not recommended for hikers seeking a one-day, round-trip adventure, but there are plenty of popular outlooks and switchbacks for easy turn-around.
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Café Tusayan
Contact:
- 928 638 2151
- visit website
Location:
- 110 Hwy 64
- Tusayan,AZ86023
-
Map
- user rating
Our Local Expert Says:
Microbrews served from all over Arizona, and the pie is fresh and homemade. Otherwise, standard fare.
Description:
Local restaurant that serves Microbrews from Flagstaff, Tuscan, and Phoenix. This place has a casual atmosphere, home-style large portions for low-prices, and great pie!
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Canyon Village Marketplace & Deli
Contact:
- +1 928 638 2262
Location:
- Market Plaza Road & Village Loop Road
- Grand Canyon Village
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
-
Map
Description:
When you are planning to spend the day hiking or sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, stop here first for refreshments and other outdoor supplies to take with you. The general store is a full-service supermarket, delicatessen and souvenir stand. It also sells and rents camping and backpacking equipment and supplies. Simple deli meat sandwiches and salads are great for taking along on the hiking trails or for spur-of-the-moment picnics in the Park. Not coincidentally, you may also know the owner's name from national politics: former President Clinton's Interior Secretary, Bruce Babbitt, is a descendent of this venerable Grand Canyon State family.
Grand Canyon National Park
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Yavapai Lodge
Contact:
- 928 638 2631
- visit website
Location:
- 499 Linger Lane
- Valle,AZ86023
-
Map
from $100- user rating
Description:
Yavapai Lodge is the largest facility in Grand Canyon National Park. It is is surrounded by pinyon and juniper woodlands, and is a half mile from the rim. It offers many services within a few steps, and is a convenient choice for families.
- Destination(s): Grand Canyon National Park
- Type: Active/Adventure
- 3 DAYS
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